Five Great Spring Break Destinations for Families

Spring break often brings to mind visions of college students on a beach somewhere, but that’s not the only way to celebrate. This popular school break is a great time for families to enjoy a vacation together and experience a new place. From warm getaways to snowy retreats, we’ve found five great spring break destinations that are perfect for families of all ages.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Whether you’re visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras, for a weekend getaway, or any other time, the possibilities for fun are endless. You can check out the local cuisine at one of several great restaurants, stroll through the French Quarter to study the eye-catching architecture and snack on famous beignets, get up close and personal with alligators on a bayou tour, or catch some jazz music on the famous Bourbon Street. Don’t forget to book your stay at one of our three area hotels!

Photo by Flickr user katjusac

Bradenton, FL

While the college undergrads are taking over the beaches of Panama City, Miami, and Daytona Beach, you can spend your spring break in the more family-friendly city of Bradenton. Located just south of Tampa, this beach-side city is perfect for family fun. Enjoy a few days splashing around and relaxing on the beautiful white-sand beaches of Bradenton Beach on Ana Maria Island, then try your luck fishing from the City Pier or browse some of the island’s quaint shops and restaurants. If you’re ready for some adventure, spend the day scuba diving, snorkeling, or cruising the ocean on a rented watercraft. After each fun day in the sun, relax at the comfortable Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bradenton at I-75.

Photo by Flickr user Fifth World Art

Phoenix, Arizona

Trade in freezing temperatures for sunny skies this spring in Phoenix, Arizona! Start each morning of your stay off right with a complimentary breakfast at one of our hotels in the greater Phoenix area. During your stay, you can learn about desert plant life at the popular Desert Botanical Garden, go hiking or rock climbing at South Mountain Park or Camelback Mountain, and experience authentic Mexican cuisine at one of the many local eateries. If you’re visiting during Spring Training, the baseball lovers in your family are in for a treat. You can catch a few games from the teams in Major League Baseball’s Cactus League for a lot less than a regular-season game.

Photo by Flickr user IndyAgent

Salt Lake City, Utah

If you’re not ready to give up the snowy winter weather just yet, Salt Lake City may just be your perfect spring break destination. Did you know that there are eight world-class ski resorts within just an hour’s drive of the city? From the Alta Ski Area to Brighton Resort, there’s a ski area that will fit the skill level of your family. If you’d rather stay within the city, there are plenty of museums, performance centers, restaurants, and parks to keep you and your family entertained. Enjoy rest and relaxation after your days full of skiing or exploring at one of our Salt Lake City hotels.

Photo by Flickr userEdz’sta

Ventura, California

Is the West Coast calling your name? How about a spring break trip to Ventura, California? This beach town is the perfect place to relax and recharge after a long winter. Start your mornings with a complimentary breakfast and a cup of hot coffee at the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Ventura, then take the short, two-block walk to Ventura Beach and Pier. You and your family can spend your days sunbathing, building sandcastles, or relaxing with a good book. Don’t forget to visit the Read It & Return Lending LibrarySM in our lobby to pick up a new one to read during your stay! Once you have your fill of the beach, be sure to check out all that downtown Ventura has to offer. You can enjoy some local cuisine, browse the stores and boutiques, and spend some time visiting the Mission San Buenaventura, which was founded in 1782.

Photo by Flickr user Carsten Schertzer

After talking about all of these great destinations, we sure are ready for spring break! Where will you be traveling with your family this spring?